Advanced Leadership Course 2_2021 in Switzerland/ Herisau
An opportunity for personal development
I am Warrant Officer Kerry Finlay, I have been in the British Military for 23 years. We 12 students were all made to feel very welcome and looked forward to starting the course and getting to know each other. Introductions and organisation briefing showed us all how the 2 weeks were going to be, and my first impression was that it was going to be a couple of busy weeks, with different subject matter experts and lots of learning points. I was not wrong, the first thing that struck me was the number of different nationalities and languages that the course had amongst us, 12 different nationalities and 9 different languages. Communication was going to be a challenge but nothing some patience and a few beers wouldn’t solve. The lessons were varied and all very well structured and included learning about our different profiles and how our natural tendencies can affect working as a team. Breaking down into smaller groups to carry out leadership tasks, enabled us to get to know each other better and highlighted that even with different perspectives and experiences, those key attributes for leadership are the same. With the course in full swing now, the information and input required was intense, especially for those whose first language was not English. Lessons on Change Management, Ethical and Cultural Diversity with Media training were dispersed by chocolate, great food and trips to the Amedeus bar. With the course participants now “Norming” or maybe even “Performing”, well according to Tuckman’s Model anyway, we started our 2nd week. It was time to show the Officer cadre our experience and abilities. Rules of engagement exercises in a multinational environment challenged us all in our own way and our opportunity to brief and advise Commanders from Switzerland really did show the similarities to working as a Command team from any nation. This experience really has been an amazing opportunity. The chance to learn from other Partner for Peace and about NATO nations, revise our skills on briefing and presenting and reflect on our commander’s and our own leadership style and natural tendencies. The days spent exploring this beautiful country and meeting kind, hospitable and like-minded people has been invaluable for all us all. The training and support team have been fantastic and on behalf of the participants I would like to thank them and would recommend to anyone who is lucky enough to get the chance to attend, do so.
